Medical scientists develop new treatments for disease and injury every day. And it's likely that many of them came from Minnesota.

By Jessica Santina
RWM Columnist
March 15, 2007

Pacemakers, artificial heart valves, and hearing aids…what do they all have in common? They were born in Minnesota, a state whose number of biotechnology jobs is three times higher then the rest of the nation. Want to help make medical history? Start your formal training in Minnesota.

Between 1992 and 2002, Minnesota's medical technology industry increased its biotechnology jobs by over 21,300. And between 1997 and 2001, there were more than 300 drug patents registered in Minnesota alone. There are more than 520 FDA-approved medical device establishments in the state. These impressive numbers are why Minnesota is now a worldwide leader of medical science innovation.

The Science Behind Great Living
Perhaps this tremendous growth in biotechnology jobs is why Minnesota practices what it preaches: it's now the healthiest state in the country. For seven years in a row, Minnesota has been called "the Most Livable State," and the University of Massachusetts ranked Minnesota as the third best state in the country in which to work.

There's no question that the quality of your life and your opportunities in the medical sciences will be unparalleled in Minnesota. But first, you'll need formal training. Consider an associate of science degree in medical laboratory technology.

The Key to Earning Biotechnology Jobs
An AS in medical laboratory technology will give you the skills to work with a cross-section of healthcare professionals, from pathologists to podiatrists. You'll learn essential skills for laboratory analysis and testing procedures. Upon earning your associate's degree, you'll be qualified to work as a medical, dental, or even ophthalmic laboratory technician. All of these jobs are ranked among Minnesota's 20 fastest-growing occupations for 2007.

The Scene of Many Breakthroughs
The majority of medical, dental, and ophthalmic laboratory technicians work in medical equipment and supply manufacturing labs. They may work to help construct, fit, maintain, or repair braces, artificial limbs, or other medical appliances. They may fill prescriptions from dentists for crowns, bridges, dentures, or dental prosthetics. Or they may help to manufacture eyeglasses or contact lenses. Median hourly earnings in 2004 ranged from $11.40-$14.93 per hour.

So if you'd like to help lead medical science through the 21st century, begin in Minnesota.

Sources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians"
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Medical Scientists"
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.